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Build a personal contact list -

Before summer ends, take a look at your network. This includes people and groups you’re formally connected to on platforms like LinkedIn, as well as friends and acquaintances in your community. Jot down these different connections and then work on fostering them.

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Define career goals and problems to solve -

No matter whether it's your first job out of school or you're a late-in-life career switcher, take time before summer ends to think through and write down your career goals, both short-term and long-term.

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Conduct a personal online brand audit -

While you're on your journey to ending the summer on a high note, look at your past via an online brand audit. Search your name online and see what pops up, if it's positive or negative, and then what you can do to adjust accordingly.

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Research job requirements -

It's always a good idea to research job requirements. If you're already in a role, then refresh your memory on the types of things you're being evaluated on, and if it's a new role, then you'll be prepared to interview or start.

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Optimize resume and LinkedIn with keywords -

It's a great time to do a resume and LinkedIn refresh. Search online for trending keywords in your industry or that apply to a specific job and include them.

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Reflect on job satisfaction -

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to check in with ourselves about life in general, especially when it comes to work. Are you happy right now? Will you be happy in the future, given the track you're on currently? Analyze what you have ahead of you and if you're okay with it.

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Highlight honors and awards -

In life in general and, more specifically, on your resume and LinkedIn, be sure to highlight honors and awards. These are not only great morale boosters but showcase excellence in different skills and abilities.

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Visualize your ideal job -

Stop and take account of what your job looks like currently and visualize where you'd like to see it go. That can be staying as is, a promotion, or even landing an entirely new role.

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Assess skill gaps -

Consider where you are and where you want to be. What gap exists between those two places? Are there skills you will need to learn or perfect before you can get to the latter? Be honest with yourself about what you need to succeed.

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Develop a professional contact list -

Who are two to three people you could absolutely count on in a pinch? Could and would these people personally recommend you for a job or role? Can they adequately speak to your abilities and truly sell your worth? Think through who these people might be.

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Inventory new skills, certifications, and education -

Taking inventory of new skills, certifications, and education will help you boost confidence in yourself and show employers that you have the skills and education it takes to succeed.

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Identify desired job improvements -

As summer nears its end, identifying job improvements is essential. Consider both how you can do better within a job and how the job can be better for you—do you need more autonomy or support, for example? See what could improve and why.

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Update resume and job description -

It's refresh time! As summer nears an end, update your resume and job description given the last few months of work you've done. What have you accomplished that you're proud of?

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Analyze performance review for strengths and weaknesses -

When you and your team or boss go over your performance review, be sure to pay close attention to the strengths and weaknesses that they have observed. 

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Brainstorm potential job titles -

It's always a good idea to keep potential jobs in the back of your mind, just in case. You never know when the economy might take a turn or the company might change their mind about you, etc. Search online for more information about the types of roles someone with your skills could successfully do.

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Connect with an educational network -

As you get older, it can be easy to get further away from your alma matter network. Stop today and reconnect with some old colleagues in your network. 

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Schedule informational interview -

Invariably, you'll meet someone in your network or secondary networks who is hiring. Even if you're not interested in leaving your current company, consider doing an informational interview of sorts. Learn what others are doing in the industry.

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Assess career path options -

Are you at a stage in your career where you could do your boss's job? or even their boss's job? Look at what career paths exist and those which you want and are fit for.

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Determine personality fit for careers -

Take a few personality tests online and assess what you need from a professional opportunity. What does your personality say about the types of roles or companies you have targeted in the past? Or might target again in the future?

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Research salary benchmarks -

Are you being compensated enough professionally? It's important to periodically research what someone in your role and with your experience usually earns. If an employer is grossly underpaying you or has quoted you a low figure for future employment,  consider negotiating with them.

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Expand network to third-party contacts -

On sites like Linkedin, it's possible to see not only first connections, or those you're directly connected to, but also second and third connections whom you could be connected to one day. Reach out to new second and third-party connections to expand your network.

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Define career purpose -

What is your career purpose? Is it to earn money so you can save for retirement? Do you work for enjoyment? Or perhaps, some combination of the two? Knowing your why will help guide you professionally.

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Create a job search schedule -

Establishing a job search schedule before summer ends ensures a structured approach to your job hunt, enhancing productivity and focus. This will help you allocate dedicated time for searching, applying, and following up.

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Identify personal strengths -

Taking the time to identify your strengths allows you to tailor your job applications to roles that best match your skills and abilities. Understanding your unique strengths can also boost your confidence during interviews and networking events.

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Prioritize network contacts -

Prioritizing your network contacts helps you focus on maintaining relationships that can provide valuable job leads and career advice. By reaching out to key contacts before summer ends, you can stay top-of-mind for potential opportunities.

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Develop a skill acquisition plan -

Earlier in this gallery, you should have listed skills and abilities you need to further refine. Now, take the time to decide when and how each will be tackled.

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Set up online reputation monitoring -

Especially if you are a high profile business person setting up online reputation monitoring can be a good idea. Be notified when your name of company shows up in the news.

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Clenan up your social media -

Social media has a way of accumulating junk, even professional social media such as Linkedin. Take time before the summer ends and declutter as well as straighten up you online presence. 

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Read something that will motivate and inspire you! -

Reading is an excellent way to get inspired and motivated to be better, faster, and stronger in general and in business. Pick out an inspiring book and tackle it so you're ready to hit the ground running.
Sources: (LinkedIn) (Forbes) (Distinctive Career Services)
See also: Biggest mistakes people make when applying for jobs

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